Multi tool users

[NewbeeMC9]

Has anybody used one of these?    What is your opinion?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=67256


http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=Multi-Max


http://www.oscillatingmultitool.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VOSS+911

[zubzub]

I've used the Fein Multimaster
http://www.thetoolstore.ca/viewItem2.asp?idProduct=6963&idCategory=772
and a few different lower quality knock offs.  The Fein was definitely the best of the bunch, easier to use (smoother/less vibration) and the blades lasted longer.  But the fein is a much more expensive (was?) and the blades are pretty pricey as well.  Probably the usual, you get what you pay for

[Lin]

I have had pretty bad luck with Chinese power tools.  I keep a Chinese angle grinder that failed the first time I used it hanging from a peg board to remind myself.  The Harbor Freight one is so cheap that it is tempting.  If you live real close to a Harbor Freight and could return it easily, it could be okay to try, but only buy it when you have a good test job for it ready to go.  If not, I would get one from a reputable manufacturer.   

[David Anderson]

I saw Tom Silva use this on This Old House and really thought it was cool, so I started looking.  It seems the reviews I read were that the blades on all of them just didn't last long at all.  Many complained about having to constantly buy blades.  Inadvertant nails seem to destroy the blades.

What I needed one for was to undercut door jambs for a floor install in my house.  I ended up taking my B&D angle grinder with a thin metal abrasive blade and just sawing through the bottom of all my jambs.  Lots of smoke, but it worked safely and made clean cuts on each door.  

I'm sure there are places where the tool would come in real handy, though.  I just figured I could live without one for now.  

David

[zubzub]

The fein blade in the fein tool lasted way long, I still have it in my box, but the tool is back a the rental store.  FWIW the cheap multis I used broke blades quickly and regularly...night and day.

[ruthi]

Hubby got one for Christmas. He loves it. He has already found lots of uses in doing the bus conversion. He gives it a thumbs up, and he knows his tools pretty well as he uses a lot of different ones in our work.

[ruthi]

Sorry, I guess I should have clarified, he got the fein multimaster and accessories.

[rip]

I bought one from harbor freight to install a new floor in my bus.My new floor was a bit thicker so this tool was great for that.I only paid $30.00 so I figured it was worth the price.If I was going to use it a lot I would buy a quality tool,which this is not.The blades are not good and do not last long.I found a site which sells replacement blades,but I did not have time to order them so I don't know about the quality.www.bargainblade.com.
   Don

[Jerry32]

The local HF in Yuma has the 39 dollar one and a kit for 79 dollarts. I was afraid of the quality so went with fein. Jerry

[NewbeeMC9]

I ended up getting the HF one for $35.  I am glad I bought one and the quality want as bad as i had though tit was gonna be.    Built some planters and trimmed some foam.  Definitely a worthy purchase and a little safer than some tools I've used.  Wish I would have had one back in the pinewood derby days.

[desi arnaz]

i have the fein and i love it. only problem one of the blades is made of hardend steele and if you are not careful it will shatter and that is $30 down the tube.

[MattC]

My wife bought me a Dremel version of this animal, I've used it to do several things on the bus and have no complaints.   I figured if I was remodeling houses for a living I'd spend the 300 + bucks for the German made versions.  Since I"m a bus-poor nut I opted for the less than 100 buck dremel.

[Hobie]

I've heard some have spot welded / brazed wide hacksaw blades onto the dull tool.   Blade source:  http://www.imperialblades.com/